23 Apr
2007

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Writing

What does the audience know?

Two sentences.

1. If the audience knows more than the character, they get emotionally involved with the character.
2. If the audience knows less than the character, they get intellectual about things and try to figure things out.

So simple and stated like this, so obvious. But also so insightful. With just those two sentences, you can figure what you want your audience to know and how much to reveal and when. Another reason I love any class with Mick Casale.

Comments

  • Rob - thanks for clarifying the full spectrum of options. Did you study with Mick at NYU or at his workshop?
  • rob walker
    I agree. Mick is awesome. I studied with him in the early 90's.

    Mick gave us three sentences, however:

    1. If the audience is aware of information before the character is, then...
    2. If the audience learns what the character learns at the same time as the character, then...
    3. If the audience learns of something after the character does, then...
  • Ritwik - sorry for being so late in replying. Mick is the head of the writing program at NYU's film school. Awesome guy.
  • Indeed, such an eloquent saying. And so true. It's amazing how such simplicity always escapes all but the genius.
    Who is Mick Casale?
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Fatasmagoric Florian  
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